It follows a decline of 11.6% in year-to-year comparisons in March, and was the 16th straight monthly drop. The report says the state collected about us$ 52 million in taxes in May based on the April figure. That was down 5.9% from a year earlier. Las Vegas Strip revenue was us$ 441.3 million in April, down 15.8% compared with us$ 524.1 million a year ago.
Among casino stocks, MGM Mirage was trading up 0.5% to us$ 7.57 early Friday afternoon. MGM said Friday that it was seeking consent from holders of its senior secured notes due 2013 for a proposed amendment related to its Treasure Island hotel and casino sale. The amendment would ensure that the non-collateral asset sale covenant would not apply to the Treasure Island sale. It would also structure the convenant so that it is similar to another covenant for senior secured notes due in 2014 and 2017.
The Baltimore City Council moved a step closer toward legalizing slot machines Thursday night when two committees voted to change the city's zoning code to allow video lottery terminals to be built south of M&T Bank Stadium, Balitmore Business Journal reported. Penn National Gaming says it may seek permission to build a slots parlor at the Laurel Park racetruck in Anne Arundel County if a proposal by Cordish Co. doesn't pan out, the Baltimore Business Journal also reported.